I'm not going to handle money for strangers, just like I tell those telemarketing fundraisers that I won't contribute by phone. When they hand up in response I feel totally justified.
Here's the letter:
Dear Batya,
I have written you a while ago and you answered. I don't remember what we corresponded on but it went well enough for me. I check out your blog weekly and have even posted on it. I was wondering if you would be able to help me out with something. My husband is about to sign a contract to work with this Jewish man on the east coast, I live on the west coast. I have never met this man,but I listen to what he has to say through my husband and I like his words so far. The words of his are enough for me to move forward. The bottom line is the work contract has to be signed for with what I am about to ask you for help with.
When my husband / if my husband signs the contract to work with this man and the price is good I was wondering if I sent you money would you be able to deliver it to people that I would like to recieve it. The first family I would like to send it to is a family that I read about on the news whose children were badly injured on a bus, I believe one of the daughters had her legs blown off, and if I recall there was another sibling hurt.Do you remember this family? I do not have any news clippings about them ,but I know you would be able to figure it out. I have no idea how much money to start with a small amount I am sure 500.00 to 1,000 dollars. And then we can see how things go. My only request is this, this all remains only between me and you. I want this to be very easy for you. I send you the money, you give it to the people. I will pay for your expense, and enought to take your family out for dinner.
The next time I come to Israel maybe we can meet, briefly, so you can see the person behind the words. Think about this and let me know. This is how simple I want to keep it. I do not want to use an organization. Me, to you, to them. If you have any questions, feel free.
Hi Muse
ReplyDeleteI think you're being prudent being very cautious. Remember your best defense is giving no info including that you have recieved this email until you check it out.
I think their email address will tell a lot. Googgle their email address.
Do they say which city, surname etc? Google these. Then if you think you know the person is 'this' person from 'here' send a message to re contact you via again with more info via another route that reveals nothing about you.
Example: Say they're John Doe and they work at Bruce Brown tractor parts.
Get the Real email address of Bruce Brown Tractor Parts ( An established business..) and ask them if they know John Doe. If so send John Doe c/o Bruce Brown tractor parts an email.
If they haven't provided any 'real' concrete background to who they are then the alarm bells should be really ringing.
It could be a very clever scam, or it could be some one who sympathises with some of your causes, and genuinely wants to help.
What do others think?
Shalom BB
I read a confession of someone who had gotten sucked into one of the scams, and it started like this--delivering money.
ReplyDelete